Every bedtime is a chance to learn something new. Sleep tight science is a calming bedtime podcast that helps children fall asleep while they learn answers to questions like, Do whales get the hiccups? Tune in tonight. We've got bedtime down to a sleep tight science. Listen to sleep tight science on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Music Hello friends and welcome to sleep tight stories. Music Blinky and his friends are getting ready to go on their adventure to the pet store. Do-Do still needs to tell Blinky why they are going. And after he does, Blinky realizes he never knew, but understands now why his family took him to see so many doctors. When they arrive at the pet store, they find the cure, but don't get away so easily. Blinky has stinky breath, part two. Before embarking on their adventure, Do-Do, Captain Sniffer, Buddy, Chewbacca and Tank, knew they had one important, albeit awkward, task at hand. Informing Blinky about the true reason behind their nighttime escapade. As they approached Blinky's house, Do-Do whispered, Okay everyone, let's be gentle with Blinky. He doesn't know about his, uh, breath situation. When they arrived, Do-Do had the responsibility of talking to Blinky. Sitting patiently, Blinky saw that Do-Do was nervous. So, uh, like I said, it's a noble mission, Blinky. Do-Do said with a stutter. I'm all up for some fun, Blinky said, but I do have to be back before sunrise. I don't want my family to worry about me, and we always go for walks in the morning. It's one of my favorite times of the day. That should be no problem, Blinky, Tank said, wondering why it was taking Do-Do so long to say what had to be said. Blinky, we love you, but we have to tell you something. Your breath could knock a squirrel off a tree branch. Blinky blinked, looking confused. My breath? What do you mean? Tank, a Chihuahua, and the toughest dog in the gang, added softly, it's a bit, um, stinky. But don't worry, we have a plan. Chewbacca, the intellectual, said, we're going to help you, Blinky. There's a new miracle cure at Paws and Whiskers. That's that new pet store that just opened, and they sell a new product perfect for your condition. We're going to get it for you. Blinky's ears drooped a little. I had no idea. But doesn't all dogs breath stink? Come to think of it, my family has taken me to all kinds of doctors and stuff, and considering how gentle I am, I was always curious why other humans would avoid our house. One of my family's friends came over, and their faces turned green. I always thought that that was because of the food they ate. Do-do padded Blinky's paw. It's okay, we're in this together. Let's turn this stinky situation into a fun adventure. Blinky's tail started wagging again. Alright, let's do it. Lead the way, friends. Together they set off under the cover of night. Everyone in the neighborhood fast asleep. Their paws made soft sounds on the grass and pavement as they headed towards Paws and Whiskers. As they walked, they chatted and joked, keeping the mood light. Captain Sniffer teased Chewbacca about his attempt to be a stealthy giant. Buddy shared his grand planned of squeezing through the tiny doggy door. After arriving near the store they tiptoed, or paw-tipped, across an alley, dodging the occasional piece of trash and jumping at the sudden sound of a distant car horn. The pet store loomed ahead, silent and dark, like a giant sleeping bear. Reaching the back of the pet store, they paused. Blinky, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, looked at his friends. This has been fun so far. Well, except for those cats that chased us along the way. How could they? Don't they know we are friendly dogs on an important adventure? Captain Sniffer asked. Some cats just aren't friendly at all, Dudu replied. They seemed to stop chasing us when I asked them to, Blinky said. I think there may be a reason other than your voice that stopped them in their tracks. Tank said, trying not to state the obvious. Focus, we need to be quick, Buddy hissed. And remember, quiet as mice, whispered Dudu, though his wagging tail betrayed his excitement. Dudu, whispered Buddy, I know where the doggy door is, follow me. Buddy led the way, creeping along the side of the building just like a ninja. The friends moved with quiet excitement. This feels like a secret mission, Captain Sniffer murmured. Chewbacca, trying to be as quiet as possible, knocked over a small trash can. The clatter seemed deafening in the silence of the night. They all froze, hearts pounding. But luckily, no one seemed to have heard. At the back of the store, Buddy found the doggy door. Here it is, he whispered excitedly. It's small, but I think I can squeeze through. Dudu looked around nervously. Be quick, Buddy, we don't want to get caught. Buddy nodded and, with a wiggle and a squirm, managed to get through the doggy door. The others waited in suspense, watching as the back door slowly creaked open from the inside. Good job, Buddy, Dudu said with a wag. Let's go find the miracle cure and save Blinky from his stinky situation. One by one, the friends entered the store. Blinky, hesitant at first, was encouraged by the supportive nudges from his friends. We're right here with you, Blinky, Dudu reassured him. Inside the store was a treasure trove of pet delights. Rows of colorful toys, stacks of comfy beds, and shelves of delicious treats surrounded them. Focus team, Tank reminded them, we're here for the breath freshener. They tiptoed through the aisles, their paws patting softly on the floor. Captain Sniffer stopped to keep watch, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement. This way, whispered Chewbacca, leading them to the dental care section. The cure should be here. The shelves were filled with various products from toothbrushes to chew toys. Blinky's nose twitched as he sniffed around. So many smells, so little time, he joked, trying to lighten the mood. After a few minutes of searching, they found it. A big blue bone connected to a machine labeled Miracle Breath Freshener for Dogs. We did it, Buddy barked softly, unable to contain his excitement. Suddenly, a light flickered on in the distance. Quick, hide! whispered Dudu. The friends scrambled. Blinky squeezed behind a display, while Tank ducked under a shelf. Captain Sniffer hid behind tall bags of dry dog food, and immediately started drooling at the delicious smell. Dudu and Buddy hid in a nearby doghouse display, fitting right in. Heartbeats thumped loudly in their chests as footsteps approached. It was the night security guard making his rounds. He paused, sniffed the air and shrugged. Must be the new air freshener they're trying. Once he passed, the group let out a collective sigh of relief. Let's get back to Blinky's house, Dudu said. Mission accomplished. The friends retraced their steps, slipping into the cool night air out the back door. They trotted home, the magical breath freshening bone safely in tow. As they walked, Blinky felt a sense of pride. He might have stinky breath, but he had the best friends in the world. Friends who loved him and were willing to go on a wild adventure just for him. Carrying the miracle breath freshener, the group made their way back to Blinky's house. The night was quiet, with only the sound of their paws patting softly against the pavement. As they approached Blinky's house, Dudu couldn't help but feel excited. I hope this works, he thought aloud. Blinky, walking beside his friends, wagged his tail in appreciation. Even if it doesn't, I'm just happy to have friends like you. Once they arrived at Blinky's front yard, Blinky eagerly tried using the big blue bone connected to the machine. The group waited with baited breath. For a moment, there seemed to be a hint of minty freshness, and they all cheered. However, as minutes passed, the familiar stinky scent slowly crept back. There was a moment of silence, but it was quickly filled with laughter. Buddy playfully snorted with his nose. Well, it was worth a try. Chewbacca added, you know what? I think we're used to it anyway. It's part of what makes Blinky Blinky. Tank, who was worried about their ability to wrestle the Dobermans, nodded in agreement. Blinky, you're perfect just the way you are. Stinky breath and all. Captain Sniffer chimed in. Yeah, it's like our little adventure brought us closer. We wouldn't have had it any other way. Doodoo, after giving himself a shake to release some tension, said, you know, I think our differences make our adventures even better. What fun would it be if we were all the same? I'm glad we're all different. It makes life exciting. Buddy added, we faced a challenge and came out stronger. We are quite a team. And, you know, perhaps we should spend more time celebrating our differences instead of trying to change Blinky. Besides, there are lots of positive attributes to having stinky breath. Blinky's eyes started getting a little watery, not from the breath freshener. I've never had friends who would go on a crazy adventure just for me and the luckiest dog in the world. Blinky's family, who had been watching them the whole time, came forward with a tray of doggy treats for everyone. We were worried about you, Blinky. We noticed that you had gone out during the night and we were just about to look for you, they said. Blinky is lucky to have friends like you. The friends shared stories, played games, and enjoyed each other's company in the front yard. They realized that their unique quirks, like Blinky's stinky breath, were what made their friendship so special. As the night came to an end and the first rays of dawn peaked over the horizon, the friends said their goodbyes. They left a little sleepy from a night of fun, but also with the knowledge that true friendship wasn't about changing each other, but about accepting and celebrating each other's differences. Blinky watched his friends walk home and with a contented sigh he thought, I wouldn't change a thing about this night, not even my breath. And that is the end of our story. Good night, sleep tight.
